The Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a unique “constructed wetlands” in Delray Beach, Florida, and one of the places I go birding and blog about most often. 
“Each day, the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility pumps approximately two million gallons of highly treated wastewater into the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, which in turn acts as a percolation pond, returning billions of gallons of fresh water back into the water table.” For more about how Wako actually works, check out further info this site: Palm Beach County Water Utilities
It’s now late December at Wakodahatchee. The Yellow-crowned Night Heron, the White Ibis, and the Anhinga are lounging in their cozy hiding spots in the trees. Cormorant chicks are begging their parents for food, and the Great Blue Herons are laying claim to their new nesting spots.
But there are other critters afoot at Wako, frankly not the sort I usually photograph or blog about. So – just a note here about a couple of them:
Raccoons are found throughout Florida, and we often spot them wandering around Wako. Though nocturnal, Florida raccoons are often out and about in the daylight hours, depending upon availability of food. This is not generally worrisome, as it is up in the northern U.S., where daytime sightings raise concerns over rabies. But . . . one can never be too cautious. For more info and a handy guide, see Florida Fish & Wildlife.
For a variety of reasons, the Green Iguana population has exploded in recent years in our area, and Wakodahatchee is home to many. These reptiles, first reported in Florida in the 1960’s (Invasive Green Iguana), are an invasive species, not native to Florida.
They always draw quite a crowd when spotted lounging in the trees in our local wetlands, but can they wreak havoc for homeowners. The Green Iguana generally feeds on vegetation, but adults will also prey on bird eggs, which makes them rather unpopular among birders!!
There are never-ending wonders of nature to enjoy at Wakodahatchee, no matter what the season. I feel very blessed to live so close by~!
We seem to be seeing more daytime Racoons each year in southern Ontario. It’s not unusual to see one wandering through the yard on a summer afternoon nowadays.
Interesting, that far north. I wonder if this is also more commonplace now in the northeast US.
I don’t know if it’s more commonplace in the north east. I do wonder if it’s because this is a tourist area so they could be either getting fed or they’re finding scraps left by tourists.
What a wonderful area to enjoy close by. I do like the iguana, very exotic to my eyes!
Yes, it really is an incredible place – and an easy walk or a short drive from my house, only 3 miles away. I agree that the iguana is a very exotic looking creature! Downright prehistoric!
Some interesting and lovely finds there BJ. Florida seems to be one of THE places to bird over there. It is wonderful that our Lord provides a birding place nearby home we can frequent, and de-stress in. Of course the wonder of birding is that while many birds are territorial and therefore predictably will be present, there are many more that are not, and that only adds to the excitement of birding, as is facing the New Year not knowing what lies before us. Happy and healthy New Year BJ, it has been great blogging with you. 🙂
Thanks for your wonderful observations and insights, AB! I always so appreciate your comments… Best wishes for a very healthy and happy 2020 to you, too!
Another blogger posted a shot of an iguana the other day which surprised me. Didn’t know they were in Florida.The wetlands looks to be an excellent spot for frequent visits. Lucky you, Carol.
We are indeed very lucky to be surrounded by many similar wetlands and marshes and preserves. As for the iguanas and our many other non-native species….. it’s kind of like people – once they get to Florida they decide it’s a great place to stay. ☀️
Very nice captures, Carol. I’ll try to visit Wakodahatchee on my next travel to Florida. 🙂
Thanks, HJ! I hope you will. Have a sensational new year!
Beautiful post, great Birds, great pics.
Thank you, Berny! As you know, our best season for birding is just beginning!☀️
Love your bird photos – they have a feel of the character of the birds… 🙂
So nice of you, Ann, thank you. Though I hope my posts in the coming months will be even more so.
Beautiful photos! 😊
Thank you, Irene, wishing you a new year filled with sunshine! ☀️
Interesting to see the white ibis – first time I have taken note of one. We have 4 ibis species here in South Africa as far as I know (but not the white ibis). I had not heard the term Anhinga before, and I see it used for a bird that we generally refer to as a darter. It must be easy to spend hours watching the birds and other wildlife at these wetlands.
Thanks so much for your visit and comments! I think I’ve also heard the term ‘Darter’ used to describe the anhinga or maybe even the cormorant in other places, too.